Organs of civil society have noted with serious concern the loss of life in Nigeria, which has been rocked by relentless bombings and further bedevilled by the reported abduction of more than 200 girls on 21 April.
Leaders of the continent and member states’ organisations are called upon to intervene and lead a movement for the safety and security of citizens, that continues to be compromised in public places as well as in institutions of learning.
A bomb that exploded in a crowded bus station on 14 April 2014 left 71 people dead. Another one, on 1 May (2014), claimed the lives of 19 people and possibly more died. On 21 April more than 200 girls were reportedly abducted from an educational institution.
Expressing outrage, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund CEO Sibongile Mkhabela said: “The unending loss of life can simply not be allowed to persist without the intervention of the good offices of world leaders and allied institutions such as the Southern African Development Community, the Pan Africanist Parliament and African Union.
“All these bodies were established and driven to champion the cause of human solidarity, justice, peace and the development of free nations and children of the world.”
Mkhabela said that “evident tragic developments such as in Nigeria cry for the felt leadership of world leaders and their platforms”.
With deep pain and anguish, Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said: “We are one continent and belong with each other. These girls are our children. Why have we ceased being outraged by such acts? All in Africa and especially South Africa, which benefited from hospitality and generosity of other nations, must rise up. All leaders who have any dealings with Nigeria should make a call for the release of these children, for peace sake.”
Aware that we all speak of ubuntu in South Africa, Makgoba further asked: “Where are our ubuntu values when girls are abducted from classrooms and incarcerated at this tender age?” He added: “Have we lost the quality of care as humans?”
Adding its voice, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said: “We are horrified at what has happened to the girls. We condemn those responsible unreservedly, and call on all those who can assist in ensuring the girls’ safe return to act with sustained urgency.”